PINK GRAPEFRUIT, PEACH, TAMARIND, CANE SUGAR, BRIGHT, CREAMY
Grower: 168 Women producers associated with Rosalba Cifuentes
Variety: Bourbon Caturra, Catimor
Region: La rinconada, El progreso, Unión progreso, Barrio montaña and Bella Vista, Chiapas, Mexico
Harvest: December-March
Altitude: 1550-1650 meters
Soil: Clay minerals
Process: Fully washed and dried in the sun
BACKGROUND
Mexico Chiapas Mayan Harvest Women's Group is sourced from 168 family-owned farms located in communities within the municipality of Bella Vista in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Rosalba Cifuentes Tovia, who was raised in the Bella Vista coffee community, has dedicated herself to helping producers with small plots of land (averaging 5 acres) earn a better price for their coffee. Rosalba ensures traceability for her communities coffee by personally exporting the coffee directly to the Bay Area. Rosalba also concerns herself with the small details like being sure to pull samples without piercing the producers bags, which has eliminated the cost for replacing damaged bags. These efforts allow producers to earn higher prices and reinvest in better agricultural practices and improve the livelihoods for their families. This is the first year that the Mayan Harvest Women’s Group has exported coffee. Through Mayan Harvest’s system of traceability and improved premiums returned directly to the women, this coffee recognizes their work and gives them financial empowerment.